Former Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi has $2.1 billion in the bank, but unfortunately that’s no longer enough to keep him on top of Japan’s ‘Richest People’ list. Due to Nintendo’s falling share price, Yamauchi has dropped to “only” 13th place on the list since he still owns more shares of the company than anyone else. After running the company for 55 years he’s probably wondering where things are headed, but I’m guessing he has more a say in the goings-on over at NCL HQ than a lot of folks.
LucasArts has, unfortunately, been shut down. Despite the fact that the company had been on technological life support for many years, it’s sad to see it go, and few people are taking it as hard as Tim Schafer and Ron Gilbert. The two guys worked for LucasArts way back when the developer was doing things like Grim Fandango, so their memories are definitely more nostalgic than most of ours:
– Time Schafer
– Ron Gilbert
Gilbert went into much more detail in a blog post he wrote up, so if you’re interested in hearing more about the way things worked at LucasArts way back when, or if you just want to reminisce alongside Ron, check it out at the link.
The Wii U eShop could potentially game a couple of new titles from Muse Games and King Art Games.
Muse took to Kickstarter last month and has already raised over $60,000 of its $100,000 goal for Guns of Icarus Online – Adventure Mode. A Wii U version hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the game’s developer has been in touch with Nintendo about the possibility.
Meanwhile, Battle Worlds: Kronos is another indie title funded through Kickstarter that has a shot of landing on Wii U. King Art Games is pleased with Nintendo’s policy changes and friendly attitude towards small developers, so Kronos could make its way to Nintendo’s console in the future.
Last week we learned that Neko Entertainment has plans to release Kung Fu Rabbit on the Wii U eShop. Details have since emerged covering the new GamePad additions/changes. You can find a summary of the latest information below and quotes from managing director Laurent Lichnewsky on a few other topics.
– Controlling the rabbit has improved
– Uses control pad rather than virtual pad on iOS
– Item unlocks rather than in-game purchases
– Collect carrots across the levels to get points and “buy” different items
– Items increase the rabbit’s skills
– GamePad’s touch elements used on the map
– Can point/touch the different “worlds” you want to play
– Can enter the Dojo, in-game shop
– Off-TV supported
– Game will be released in Europe before North America
Lichnewsky on whether Neko is pleased with Puddle’s performance on Wii U…
Yep, taking into account that Europe and US Wii U market can only grow, we’re pretty satisfied. Puddle is well placed in eShop’s sales. And we’re delighted of our relationship with NoE and NoA teams. We also have strong hopes of releasing our title on NCL eShop with a Japanese partner.
Lichnewsky on future plans for the Wii U eShop…
A bit soon to say… but beyond a new Cocoto title in [the] final phase of development for Europe retail, we have two other potential indie titles for eShop… To be continued! (winks)
Lichnewsky on whether there are plans to work with other mobile devs in bringing games to Nintendo systems…
‘Top secret!” (winks) Yes, we are studying the possibility of proposing really nice games that, in our opinion, make sense on consoles.
